Muju

Muju is a small town in the North Jeolla province, in South Korea. Muju is known for their annual Firefly Festival, as well as skiing, at nearby Muju Resort.

Understand

Firefly Bridge at night

Muju is in the Sobaek Mountains in the center of South Korea. While Muju is infrequently visited for most of the year, the Firefly Festival invites thousands of tourists, primarily from within South Korea. Beyond the festival, Muju is famous within South Korea for the lively taekwondo scene.

Muju County hosted the 1997 Winter Universiade.

Get in

By bus

Muju can be reached by bus from Jeonju, Daejeon, Seoul, and many other smaller, nearby cities.

By car

Using Highway 35, Muju can be reached in as little as 45 minutes from Daejeon, or just over an hour from Jeonju (Highway 20 to Highway 35).

Get around

Any location within the town of Muju can easily be reached by a short walk. Nearby attractions (such as the ski resort, Bandi Land, Mt. Jeoksang, etc) are easily accessed via taxi (fares start at ₩2300).

See

There are a wide variety of trails that lead directly out of the city into the nearby mountains. These are not clearly marked, so ask a local or do some exploring.

• Mt. Jeoksang (적상산). The mountain itself is open all the time, although the road to reach the top is quite steep, and may be impassable at rare times during the winter. At the summit, there's an enormous reservoir used to power the city and a Buddhist temple. Free. 
• Firefly Bridge. Located in the center of town, the bridge is decorated with colored tiles, artistic renditions of fireflies, and is covered by lights that change color. Unfortunately, predicting when the bridge will be lit is next to impossible, as it is solar powered and will only light up when the capacitors have charged (during special events, however, the bridge will always be lit). Free. 
• Taekwondo Park (국립태권도원), 1482, Museol-ro, Seolcheon-myeon. Tu-Su 10AM-6PM. The park is in area covering 2.3 million m² and includes a Taekwondo Stadium, Exhibition Hall, Experience Hall and Accommodations. An observatory in the site of Taekwondo Park in Seolcheon-myeon, Muju-gun, draws Taekwondo lovers and tourists from around the world. Adult ₩4000, youth ₩3500, child ₩3000. (updated May 2019)

Do

• Hike a nearby mountain. Although virtually all of the nearby mountains have trails crisscrossing them, Mt. Jeoksang and Mt. Deokyu are famous for their trails and various traditional Buddhist attractions along the way. Free entry.

Buy

There is one small winery near Muju, located halfway up Mt. Jeoksang. A word of warning, though, the various wines will be nothing at all like wines from outside the country. There's a reason Korean wine is not internationally known. If, despite this, you want to try some, the most common brand is Magique Muju. A bottle of wine will run about ₩40,000.

Eat

Most restaurants serve typical Korean fare, one main dish with a lot of side dishes. While the Korean restaurants in Muju don't stand out from one another, they're all fairly good, and reasonably priced (a group of 6 can eat for about ₩40,000).

• If starved for Western style pizza, Imsil Cheese Pizza (임실 치즈 피자) makes an excellent pie, and the owner knows the English names for common pizza ingredients. ₩16,000.
• For the ultimate in budget eating, consider Nadeuri (나드리). While it's a chain restaurant across Korea, the prices aren't standard, and in Muju ₩1000 will get you one roll of kimbap, soup, kimchi, and radishes, with free refills on the side dishes. Even the more expensive items on the menu will only set you back ₩3000-4000.
• Local food can be bought from the farmer's market, which meets on the 1st of every month, and every five days thereafter (1st, 6th, 11th, etc.) excepting the 31st. Located across a few blocks in the northwest of town, you can't miss it if you wander in that direction.
• Myeongga Galbitang (명가네 갈비탕): Famous for its hearty beef rib soup, this restaurant serves a delicious and comforting meal. Galbitang is a Korean soup made with short ribs, and Myeongga is known for its rich and flavorful broth.
• Muju Mienok (무주면옥): A place to enjoy traditional Korean noodles. They offer a variety of noodle dishes, including mul naengmyeon (cold noodles in broth) and bibim naengmyeon (spicy cold noodles).
• Little Big Farmer (리틀빅파마): If you're in the mood for a unique dining experience, Little Big Farmer offers a farm-to-table concept. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are used to create dishes that highlight the region's flavors.
• Muju Jukbang Mulhoe (무주죽방물회): Specializing in mulhoe, a Korean cold raw fish soup, this restaurant provides a refreshing and savory seafood experience. It's a great choice if you enjoy fresh seafood dishes.
• Odaeyang Han Sikdang (오대양한식당): A Korean restaurant that offers a variety of traditional dishes. From bulgogi (marinated grilled beef) to kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), you can find a range of classic Korean flavors here.
• Punggi Myeonga (풍기명가): Known for its pajeon (green onion pancakes) and makguksu (buckwheat noodles), this restaurant provides a taste of Korean comfort food.
• Sambaedon (삼백돈): If you're a fan of pork, Sambaedon is a barbecue restaurant where you can grill your own pork belly at the table. It's a popular choice for those craving Korean barbecue.
• Sanjang Hanjeongsik (산장한정식): For a traditional Korean set menu, Sanjang Hanjeongsik offers a variety of dishes in a single meal, allowing you to experience a range of flavors.

Drink

There is a surprisingly large number of bars in Muju. Unfortunately, none of them serve any imported liquors or beers whatsoever. Basically, the menu is limited to one brand of soju, and three brands of (Korean) beer.

• 3040. For a nice, quiet atmosphere, try 3040. The owner here speaks some English, and one bottle of beer will cost you ₩2500. 
• Tudari. If you are interested in a decent selection of Korean food to go with your drinks, try Tudari. Another chain establishment, it's slightly more expensive than some of the local options, but has an excellent selection of food. ₩4000-10,000 food, ₩3000 beer. 

Muju has a variety of cafes to explore. These places are frequented by locals, making them great spots to experience the local culture and ambiance. It's recommended to check reviews or get recommendations from locals before visiting.

• The Original: One of Muju's representative cafes, offering a cozy atmosphere along with a variety of coffee and desserts.
• Baralo: Located amidst nature, this cafe allows you to relax while enjoying the natural scenery through the windows. You can savor coffee or tea while breathing in the fresh air.
• Cafe The Palette: Situated in a beautiful garden, this cafe boasts an artistic and sophisticated atmosphere. It offers distinctive beverages and desserts.
• The Clem: Nestled in the forests of Muju, this cafe allows you to enjoy premium drinks in the fresh air.
• Black Diamond: One of the famous cafes in Muju, Black Diamond provides a cozy atmosphere along with unique beverages.
• Cafe G: A charming cafe with a rustic interior, known for its warm ambiance and friendly service. It's a great place to unwind with a cup of coffee.
• Hidden Garden Coffee: Tucked away in a serene garden setting, this cafe offers a tranquil escape. It's a popular spot for those looking to enjoy nature while sipping on quality coffee.
• Wooden Cafe: True to its name, this cafe features a wooden interior, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. They serve a variety of hot and cold beverages.
• Sweet Breeze Cafe: If you're looking for a cafe with a view, Sweet Breeze Cafe offers a terrace where you can enjoy your drinks while taking in scenic surroundings.
• Muju Coffee Roasters: A place for coffee enthusiasts, Muju Coffee Roasters is known for its freshly roasted beans and aromatic brews.
• Slow Garden Cafe: This cafe emphasizes a slow-paced and relaxed experience. It's a perfect place to enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee surrounded by greenery.

Remember, Muju's cafe scene is diverse, and you might discover hidden gems as you explore the area.

Sleep

Prices for rooms, especially in the love motels, can vary considerably depending on the season (they're much higher during the Firefly Festival, taekwondo events, and the middle of skiing season).

• Iris Motel. A typical hotel. ₩50,000 for a double. 
• Johnny's. Muju's one love hotel. ₩40,000.